Footballers launch 2010 campaign

MICKEY Ned O’Sullivan begins his fifth successive competitive campaign at the helm of the senior footballers next Sunday in Kilmallock (2pm) when Limerick take on Waterford IT in the preliminary round of the McGrath Cup.
Although Limerick have won the McGrath Cup on five occasions (2005, 2004, 2001, 1987 and 1985) since the competition was inaugurated in 1981 it is hard to know how seriously Mickey Ned O’Sullivan’s squad will treat this first outing of the year. Under O’Sullivan’s guidance Limerick participated in the 2007 and 2008 finals (losing both deciders to Cork and Clare respectively), but they limped out in the preliminary round last year losing 1-7 to 1-9 to the University of Limerick at Foynes.
However Mickey Ned O’Sullivan has named a strong team for this Sunday’s encounter with supporters suspecting that Limerick will use the McGrath Cup as a useful warm-up for the Shannonsiders’ crucial National Football League division four campaign.
Barring late injury withdrawals the Limerick team to face Waterford IT is: Conor Ranahan (Ballysteen), Johnny McCarthy (St. Kieran’s), Conor Mullane (St. Senan’s), Andrew Lane (St. Senan’s), Lorcan O’Dwyer (Pallasgreen), Shane Gallagher (Ballysteen), Diarmaid Carroll (St. Senan’s), John Galvin (Croom), Eoghan Joy (Fr. Casey’s), Stephen Kelly (Newcastle West), James Ryan (Galbally), Seanie Buckley (Drom-Broadford, captain), John Mullane (St. Patrick’s), Ian Ryan (St. Senan’s), Kieran O’Callaghan (Ballylanders). Subs: Brendan Moran (Mungret), Padraig Browne (Fr. Casey’s), Stephen Lavin (Adare), Pa Ranahan (Ballysteen), Mark O’Riordan (Croom), Jim O’Donovan (St. Kieran’s), Bobby O’Brien (Bruff), Wayne Enright (St. Senan’s) and Seamus Mulcahy (Pallasgreen).
It could be argued that Limerick’s early exit from the 2009 McGrath Cup cost the side dearly during a league campaign which saw the Shannonsiders ultimately relegated to division four.
Limerick’s lack of match sharpness saw them lose their opening game 0-6 to 1-14 against Louth - in the end Limerick (-11) were relegated on scoring difference when finishing level on six points with Roscommon (-3), Louth (+11) and Cavan (-3).

BRIAN MCDONNELL